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The overall thinness of Oklahoma's offensive line has been well-documented throughout the 2012 football season, which is why every time any of the current starters gets dinged up, there is great cause for concern among Sooner fans.

The overall thinness of Oklahoma's offensive line has been well-documented throughout the 2012 season, which is why every time any of the current starters gets dinged up, there is great cause for concern among Sooner fans.

Oklahoma's Damien Williams (26) runs during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Iowa State University (ISU) at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Oklahoma won 35-20. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Starting left tackle Lane Johnson hurt his ankle late last week against Notre Dame, but he was expected to be healthy enough to start Saturday at Iowa State. But during warm-ups, it became clear that he wouldn't be at full strength; Johnson never played an offensive snap, and sophomore Tyrus Thompson started in his place.

Junior guard Bronson Irwin went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter against Iowa State; it was the second time this season he's had an injury scare. Against Texas on Oct. 13, he was out of the game briefly after falling to the turf.

When Irwin exited the game in Ames, right tackle Daryl Williams slid over to guard and redshirt freshman Derek Farniok took over Williams' spot.

But early in the second quarter, Irwin came back in the game and didn't seem to have any more serious trouble.

“Bronson battled back,” said offensive line coach James Patton. “He just stung that ankle. It's an ongoing process and it will be for the rest of the season. Lane is the same way. Lane warmed up but didn't feel real good.”

Before fall camp started, senior center Ben Habern decided to end his career because of ongoing back and neck issues. Then, just a couple days into preseason workouts, senior guard Tyler Evans tore his ACL.

True freshman tackle John Michael McGee left the team after a few days, deciding football was no longer for him. Redshirt freshman guard Dylan Dismuke was forced to take a medical hardship waiver because of a lingering knee issue.

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by Jason Kersey

OU Sports Reporter

Jason Kersey became The Oklahoman's OU football beat writer in May 2012 after a year covering high school sports and OSU recruiting. Before joining the newspaper in November 2006 as a part-time results clerk, he covered high school football for...